Dropped my 2018 ipad pro from only 2 feet (was bending down to pick something up), It was in a very protective case but landed face down, (hold my breath) hairline crack across it.
Screen works fine and at some angles I cant even see the crack. Apple pencil does catch on it and if it gets a little bit oily from fingerprints it becomes visible.
Options here in Toronto -
1 - Replace at apple for out of warranty - $649, replace at 3rd party shop for new LCD, digitizer and glass $400-$550 (probably using an aftermarket part)
2 - Mail to Vancouver since I can't find a shop that can separate the top glass from the LCD here in Toronto - probably just under $300 with shipping costs and tax (I've also found a shop in Montreal that can replace the glass on a laminated screen)
3- Put a paperlike screen protector on and make sure I never drop it again
Here are some pictures of it
Thoughts from anyone who has just used a screen protector?
Try one of those hydrogel screen protectors. Maybe it will seep in a bit and hide the crack better, or make it tolerable until it's time for a new one.
If you decide to use a screen protector, make sure to test out whether it feels good when using the Apple Pencil.
Since the damage is not that serious, it may end up being worth it to sell this one for parts/as-is given it is still usable and many people would want to try, and then buy a refurb one from Apple for 649$ iirc if that is still available.
You'd be surprised how much people pay for cracked screen devices, even if it's not economical to fix (cheaper to buy used than to buy broken+fix)
Aftermarket screens for Apple devices probably aren't worth the time if you intend to keep it for a long time/if you actually do color sensitive art work on it. The colors are often worse.
Glass only repairs are expensive because they take time and risk breaking the screen. Plus, same caveat with aftermarket screens/parts, even though this is better than getting a whole aftermarket screen.
Thanks for all the info, after posting I remembered I had mobile device insurance through my credit card and sure enough I purchased the iPad with it. Looks like I may have coverage and even with depreciation and deductible it will cover about 95% of the cost for screen replacement through Apple.
I currently have a claim open and am waiting to submit documents - fingers crossed.
